Manchester United Transfers: 6 Teenage Stars Red Devils Could Sign

Manchester United Transfers: 6 Teenage Stars Red Devils Could Sign

Though Manchester United have always boasted one of the finest youth academies in world football, the club is always on the lookout for burgeoning young talent from elsewhere.

Sir Alex Ferguson has been key to the Red Devils' desire to bring in players with potential and nurture them at Carrington with the United training staff.

Last summer, Robin van Persie's arrival at Old Trafford stole the majority of the media spotlight, but the signing of teenage striker Angelo Henriquez provided a sturdy foundation for the side long into the future.

Here are six teenage talents from across the globe who United reportedly have their eye on.

The signing of any of the players from this list will stand the club in good stead for years to come.

David Gil

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Atletico Madrid's David Gil may not have yet made much of an impact for his current club, but that hasn't stopped Manchester United scouts from noticing his evident potential.

In January, The Mirrorreported that "United scout Martin Ferguson has been tracking him" with a view to a future bid.

Around the same time, The Sunclaimed "United are eyeing up an £8 million bid" for the Spanish keeper.

Though there has been little in the way of follow-up stories since the new year, Gil could well be snapped up this summer, joining the likes of fellow keepers Ben Amos and Sam Johnstone in the United setup.

The shot-stopper has impressed recently when playing for the Spain U20 international side.

Eric Dier

It is claimed that "Manchester United scouts watched the England Under-19 defender as he starred in Sporting’s 2-1 win over Academica."

Dier has been with the Portuguese side since signing his first professional contract in 2010, though spent part of last season on loan at Everton.

Despite not making any Premier League appearances with the Toffees, the 19-year-old has since broken into the Sporting first XI and is a regular at England U19 level.

A tall, physical player, the versatile Dier is also adept playing in defensive midfield.

Alen Halilovic

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At 16 years of age and standing 5'7" tall, you could be forgiven for thinking that Alen Halilovic looked slightly out of place on the football field.

He is the youngest player to have appeared for current club Dinamo Zagreb both domestically and in Champions League competition, and has already scored two goals in the Prva HNL.

In December last year, the Daily Mailreported that "Manchester United chief executive David Gill flew to Croatia on Tuesday for talks about signing Dinamo Zagreb’s £15 million-rated teenage sensation Alen Halilovic."

A nimble, tricky attacking midfielder, the Croatian teen has been compared by some to a young Lionel Messi.